The EU's Failed Independence Bid

The European Union spent the first two decades of this century more worried about the United States than Russia. And they were right to do so. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU's great bid for independence from the United States ended, for a generation, if not longer. In this gripping episode your hosts Rob and Ruairi delve deep into the challenges Europe faced in its failed attempt to stand equal to the United States on the world stage. Join us as we examine the contrasting strategies between the two continents. From the early days of European integration to this century's great 2008 and 2020 crisis, we uncover the roots of Europe's struggle. We discuss critical decisions made along the way and their impact on the continent's trajectory. Ostpolitik, natural gas, Libya and Iran all feature prominently in the conversation. We also look into the role of political unity and cultural diversity in Europe's pursuit of independence. What can be learned from America's success story, and how can Europe leverage its unique strengths to chart a path towards self-sufficiency? ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok